Deputy Headteacher

• Deputy_JD___Person_Spec_March_2026

How to Apply - Only applications received on Bracknell Forest application forms will be considered.

Safeguarding Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This position requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check because it involves contact with (or access to data concerning) children.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. If you are successful in being shortlisted for this position, you will be required to complete a self-declaration formTo find out more about the application process for working with children, young people and adults at risk visit https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs/policies-relating-job-applications/applications-work-those-risk

The Bracknell Forest Safeguarding Board (BFSB) oversees the safety and well-being of children in Bracknell Forest - https://bracknellforestsafeguarding.org.uk/

Equal Opportunities - We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all. Our aim is to treat all employees and prospective employees with integrity, respect and consideration.

Disability - We are a Disability Symbol User and as such have made a commitment to guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria of the person specification.

We will make reasonable adjustments to help a person with a disability through the application & selection process and, if successful, to assist you in carrying out the duties of your job.

Pre–employment medical check - As a condition of the Offer of Employment, the successful applicant will be asked to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire form.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess whether you have any medical problems that may affect your ability to undertake the role. If necessary reasonable adjustments or modifications will be suggested to assist you in carrying out the duties of the job.

References - On your application form you will be asked to provide the names and addresses of two people who will provide a reference. At least one must be from your current employer, completed by a suitable person with appropriate authority. We take up references for all shortlisted candidates and wherever possible we like to apply for these prior to interview.

Employment - Any candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.

Deputy Headteacher Vacancy

L7 – L11

Do you want to make a real difference to children’s lives? Do you want to work with likeminded people who put children at the heart of what they do? Do you like working hard and seeing the impact of your work? If you have answered YES to any of these, then we might be the right fit for you.

The Pines Primary School is a 1 form entry primary school and Nursery with a specialist resource provision (SRP). We have children from a wide range of backgrounds and also have an above national % for pupils with SEND. We are proud of what we do to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We use an approach of continuous provision in EYFS and Year 1, as we believe in the importance of learning through play. We have also introduced OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) into our lunchtimes. At The Pines, we believe children can thrive when their needs are met and when they have high quality provisions throughout the school.

We are looking for a Deputy Head who shares our values, has energy and resilience and a willingness to try new ideas and we want people who will bring the joy. We are looking for someone who has a passion for curriculum development and enrichment. We want someone who is a good communicator and can ensure our families are able to fully engage with their child's learning.

We need a Deputy Headteacher who: -

• Has a passion for developing the curriculum to ensure children make great progress as well as having wide and varied enrichment opportunities.
• Has the confidence to make quick decisions under pressure
• Has the experience and ability to build relationships with children and families
• Has a DSL qualification or willingness to train for this position
• Is self-motivated, can manage their own timetable and is able to use their initiative
• Willingness to be flexible, no day will be the same
• Has experience of training and developing staff
• Is a qualified teacher with high expectations of themselves and others
• Has up to date whole class teaching experience, with a record of high quality practice (all key stages considered).
• Has a clear understanding of behaviour and why children behave in the way they do
• Has completed trauma informed training or a willingness to complete this
• Is flexible and able to work well with others.
• Has experience of working with parents and other professionals including the LA (essential)
• Understands the importance of ongoing assessment to determine children’s next steps in learning.
• Is driven, ambitious, has resilience and energy

Our children would like someone who:

• Makes them feel safe and understands them
• Is kind, even if we make the wrong choices.
• Has high expectations for them

The successful candidate will join a team who are passionate about engaging and inspiring young people in their learning and will have experience of working with primary age range children including EYFS.

The Pines had Ofsted in 2023 and received a GOOD grading.

We are well resourced and we have extensive outside space along with a gym, 2 halls and rooms for ELSA and other interventions. There are currently 285 children on roll.

This is an exciting time to join us and our amazing team.

We can offer you:

• Supportive SLT, governing body and staff (we really do work as a team)
• An inclusive ethos
• Happy, motivated children who enjoy coming to school
• A commitment to professional development for all staff
• Supportive parents who engage positively in the improvement of the school
• A team who value the importance of educating the whole child
• We are on a bus route and are a short walk from our local shop
• We are a team that enjoy a varied school social life

Closing date: Monday 11th May 2026, 12 Noon

Shortlisting: Tuesday 12th May 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Visits are actively encouraged. Please contact Rachel Evans, School Business Manager, should you require any further information. SBM@thepinesschool.org.uk

Start date – September 2026

At The Pines we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.